Herb of the Month: Aster
Aster
About the Plant: Aster Asteraceae [Common Names; starved aster, Calico aster, white woodland aster, New England Aster, Heart-leaved Aster, Purple-stemmed Aster.
Aster is a genus of flowering plants that has about 23,600 species. Aster alpinus is the only species of Aster (sensu stricto) that is native to North America; it is found in mountains across the Northern Hemisphere. They are part of the daisy family and are known for their starburst arrangement of bright petals. Aster is named after the Greek word for “Star” due to its blooms resembling a star, The aster family is also known as the daisy, composite, or sunflower family.
Aster has a long history of medicinal use by Native Americans and European settlers, who valued it for its stimulant, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, and alterative properties. Aster can help relieve colds, rheumatism, headaches, stomach pains, menstrual irregularities, and spasms. It can also soothe skin irritations, wounds, and poison ivy rashes. Some species of Aster, such as the New England Aster, have a strongly aromatic scent that can be inhaled as smoke or steam to clear congestion, revive the unconscious, and induce sweating.
To use Aster as a medicine, you can make a tea from the dried flowers and leaves or a tincture from the fresh or dried plant. You can also apply the crushed flowers or roots as a poultice to the affected area. Aster is generally safe and well-tolerated, but it may cause allergic reactions in some people who are sensitive to plants in the same family, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, and marigolds. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Aster.
Asters are beautiful flowers that come in different colors and have a variety of meanings and benefits for magick users.
Asters are associated with astrological wisdom, as they are named after the Greek word for star. They can help you connect with the cosmic realm and enhance your intuition and psychic abilities. They are also good for beginnings, as they bloom in late summer and early autumn, marking the transition from one season to another. They can help you embrace change and new opportunities in your life.
Asters are also great for cleansing and detoxifying your body, mind, and spirit. They can purify your aura, remove negative energy, and protect you from harm. They can also help you heal from emotional wounds and restore balance and harmony in your relationships. Asters are especially supportive of teen girls and young females beginning the journey to adulthood, as they symbolize gentleness, patience, and feminine power. Asters can also attract romantic love with spiritual overtones, as they express devotion, loyalty, and admiration. They can help you find your soulmate or deepen your existing bond with your partner. They can also enhance your beauty, charm, and grace.
To use asters in your magick, you can:
– Place them on your altar or in your sacred space to invite divine guidance and inspiration.
– Wear them or carry them with you to attract love, luck, and prosperity.
– Make a tea or a tincture from their petals to cleanse your system and boost your immunity.
– Add them to your bath water or make a spray from their essence to cleanse your aura and protect yourself from negativity.
– Meditate with them or place them under your pillow to enhance your dreams and psychic visions.
– Make a sachet or a charm from their dried flowers to keep with you or give to someone you love.
Asters are wonderful allies for magick users who want to connect with the stars, embrace change, heal themselves, and find love. They are easy to grow and care for, and they will brighten up your garden and your life with their colorful blooms.
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